Jervis Bay’s 11 Top Tours (With Prices)

Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s top coastal destinations, and for good reason. Its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and rich marine life make it a playground for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re into kayaking through tranquil waters or spotting whales during their migration, Jervis Bay offers a variety of tours that cater to every interest. We especially enjoy the Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour for its intimacy with nature, and the Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour for its chance to see gentle giants in their natural habitat. Both provide unforgettable moments with minimal fuss and maximum beauty.

If you’re more into evening activities, the Jervis Bay Beach Stargazing Tour with our Astronomer stands out by giving you a rare chance to see the Southern Sky without city light pollution. For families or those seeking a shorter trip, the 2-Hour Cruise of Jervis Bay Passage offers a comprehensive snapshot of the bay’s stunning coastline. Whatever your style, Jervis Bay’s tours promise memorable experiences that highlight the area’s natural splendor.

Quick Overview of Jervis Bay Tours

Jervis Bay’s tour options cover a broad spectrum—from sea kayaking along protected national parks (Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour) to whale watching (Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour). Adventure seekers can hit the water for eco-walks (Fishermans Paradise Eco-walk) or explore on bikes (Culburra Beach FAT bike tour). For those night owls, the stargazing experience (Jervis Bay Beach Stargazing Tour) offers a celestial escape. For thrill-seekers, tandem skydiving (Shellharbour Beach Tandem Skydive) provides a high-adrenaline rush. Each experience highlights a different aspect of Jervis Bay’s natural charm and is suited to various interests and fitness levels.

1. Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour

At number 1 on our list, the Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour offers an intimate way to explore Booderee National Park’s waters. This 5-hour guided adventure from Huskisson is perfect for anyone wanting to get close to the region’s crystal-clear waters, beaches, and abundant marine life. You’ll paddle past Bowen Island and Murrays Beach, with a stop at a secluded beach fringed with rainforest—an ideal spot to relax and enjoy tropical fruit and hot drinks.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see dolphins, penguins, stingrays, and even whales during migration season. The local guide shares stories about the area’s secrets, making it educational as well as scenic. The small-group nature ensures a personal experience, and the paddling is manageable even for beginners. Pricing at around $98 makes it an excellent value for the quality of the experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want a hands-on experience and a good chance to see diverse marine life. Book early—this popular tour fills quickly.

2. Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour

For around $47, the Jervis Bay Whale Watching Tour is a fantastic way to see the bay’s most spectacular visitors: whales. Running from May through November, this 2-hour cruise provides a good shot at spotting humpbacks, along with bottlenose dolphins, penguins, seals, and albatross. The cruise departs twice daily, offering flexibility for your schedule.

While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed—nature can be unpredictable—the reviews suggest that it’s worth the chance, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the whale migration. The crew is friendly and knowledgeable, and the boat is accessible for wheelchairs, making it suitable for most travelers. The experience is family-friendly, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

Bottom line: If whale watching is your top priority, this tour offers great value, especially considering the chance to see multiple species in one trip.

3. Jervis Bay Beach Stargazing Tour with our Astronomer

Few experiences in Jervis Bay rival the magic of this Stargazing Tour. For about $58, you’ll join an expert astronomer in the darkness away from city lights, marveling at the Southern Sky’s celestial wonders. This 1.5-hour session includes naked-eye viewing of stars, planets, and constellations, with the chance to hear stories about the night sky.

The dark skies over Jervis Bay provide some of the clearest views Australia has to offer. This tour is particularly great for families, couples, or anyone interested in astronomy. It’s well-organized, with knowledgeable guides, and the experience has won awards — including the NSW Tourism Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Bottom line: A unique, educational night out perfect for night sky enthusiasts or those looking for a memorable, peaceful experience. Book ahead—they tend to fill quickly.

4. Jervis Bay: 2-Hour Cruise of Jervis Bay Passage

At number 4, the 2-Hour Cruise of Jervis Bay Passage offers a quick but comprehensive look at the bay’s spectacular coastline. Departing from New South Wales, the cruise showcases Hyams Beach’s famous white sands, and the tall cliffs of Point Perpendicular. Dolphins often swim close to the boat, adding to the thrill.

This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time but who still want a taste of Jervis Bay’s natural beauty. The cruise includes informative commentary, making it educational as well as scenic. For $59, it’s a good value to see the highlights without overcommitting.

Bottom line: Best suited for those short on time but wanting a quality overview of the bay’s best features. It’s a solid pick for families or first-time visitors.

5. Jervis Bay Passage Tour

Sailing with the Jervis Bay Passage Tour is a relaxing way to explore the coastline. Over roughly two hours, the cruise covers the remarkable sea cliffs, beaches, and the abundance of wildlife. The onboard commentary highlights local landmarks, and there’s a good chance of spotting whales from mid-May to November.

Ideal for travelers wanting a comfortable, scenic cruise without physical exertion, this tour is accessible and family-friendly. The low price of around $61 makes it an appealing option. Many reviews mention the helpful crew and the chance to see dolphins and birds along the way.

Bottom line: Suitable for all ages and activity levels, especially if you prefer sightseeing from a boat with informative commentary.

6. Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise

Number 6 on our list, the Dolphin Cruise, offers a chance to see these playful creatures in their natural environment. The 1.5-hour trip often includes sightings of bottlenose dolphins swimming and jumping nearby, with scenic views of the South Coast. The tour is wheelchair accessible and family friendly.

While dolphin sightings depend on the day’s luck, reviews indicate that the crew makes a genuine effort to find dolphins, and the views of the coastline are impressive regardless. The price is quite affordable at around $35, making it a popular choice for families and casual travelers.

Bottom line: A fun, affordable way to experience Jervis Bay’s marine life, suitable for those with limited time or young children.

7. Fishermans Paradise Eco-walk

Number 7 is the Eco-walk in Fishermans Paradise, a private guided tour through Conjola National Park. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it’s perfect for nature lovers wanting to explore the rivers, wildlife, and regenerating bush after recent wildfires. The guide shares stories of the area’s recovery and highlights local flora and fauna, including kangaroos and water dragons.

This walk is tailored to those who enjoy a peaceful, educational stroll at a relaxed pace. Binoculars are provided, and the tour is suitable for all ages. The reviews emphasize the guide’s knowledge and the chance to see abundant birdlife.

Bottom line: Great for families and anyone interested in ecosystems and wildlife. Ideal for a gentle, learning-focused experience.

8. Culburra Beach FAT bike tour

Next, the Culburra Beach FAT bike tour offers a fun, self-guided ride on soft sand and beach tracks. The tour provides a fat-tire bicycle, helmet, and map, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Stops include Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse and Burradise Community Gardens.

This tour appeals to those who enjoy outdoor exploration with a bit of adventure — perfect for active travelers and families. Many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the flexibility and the scenic routes, especially during whale season (late September to early November).

Bottom line: Excellent for energetic visitors wanting to combine beach riding with sightseeing. Suitable for all fitness levels.

9. Tandem Skydive Shellharbour Beach 15,000ft

For adrenaline junkies, the Tandem Skydive from Shellharbour offers an exhilarating 15,000-foot freefall. The 1-hour experience includes breathtaking views of Bass Point and Bushrangers Bay, with a beachside landing to top it off. It’s a pricey but once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

This tour is geared toward thrill-seekers looking for that adrenaline rush combined with scenic coastal views. The review mentions the 60-second freefall as the highlight, and most say it’s worth every penny for the experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for adventure travelers with a sense of daring who want a spectacular aerial perspective of the South Coast.

10. Jervis Bay Hidden Secrets Cruise

Number 10, the Hidden Secrets Cruise, is a 1 hour 45-minute journey with live commentary. This tour explores lesser-known parts of Jervis Bay, including Murray’s Beach and Booderee National Park, with hopes of dolphin sightings.

It’s a quieter, more relaxed cruise for those interested in discovering lesser-trodden spots. The reviews note the beautiful scenery and the chance to see dolphins, though sightings aren’t guaranteed. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a more intimate experience.

Bottom line: Perfect for visitors who want a peaceful, informative cruise with a focus on the bay’s hidden treasures.

11. Private Stand Up Paddleboard Group Hire

Finally, the Paddleboard Hire allows you to explore Jervis Bay at your own pace over about 4 hours. It’s a flexible option for those confident on a paddleboard or eager to learn, offering a fresh perspective on bays, coves, and rivers.

This activity suits independent travelers or groups looking for an active, personalized experience. The reviews highlight how peaceful and scenic the paddleboarding can be, especially in the early morning or quiet spots.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for self-sufficient explorers wanting to customize their adventure.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Jervis Bay

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, time constraints, and physical fitness. For example, if you love wildlife and have a couple of hours, the Dolphin Cruise offers a family-friendly option. If an active outdoor day appeals, the Sea Kayak Tour or the FAT bike tour might be better.

For those interested in astronomy, the Stargazing Tour provides a unique, peaceful experience. Adrenaline seekers should consider the Tandem Skydive, and families or solo travelers with a limited schedule will find the Cruise options very practical.

Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like whale watching and stargazing, which tend to sell out during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

Jervis Bay offers a diverse range of tours, from tranquil eco-walks and scenic boat cruises to high-adrenaline skydiving and celestial spectacles. For nature lovers, kayaking and dolphin cruises provide unforgettable close-ups with marine life. For those seeking a quiet moment, the stargazing tour is a highlight. Adventure travelers can push their limits with skydiving or paddleboarding, while families will appreciate the accessible wildlife cruises.

Whatever your interests, these tours showcase the best of Jervis Bay’s natural beauty. Be sure to compare options, consider your fitness level and time, and book in advance—these experiences are too good to miss. Happy exploring!